Meanie wrote:
I'm contemplating the purchase of a bench top planer. After looking
around for a used machine, I often thought about a vertical drum sander
instead. Obviously, I know the difference between the two but they
basically do the same thing. Therefore, seeking the sage advice, could I
get by with a sander instead of a planer?


A vertical sander?

A horizontal drum sander performs a similar function as a planer.

Before any one can advise you on which to get you must first tell us why
you want either one.